An Act To Improve the Affordability of Higher Education

Sec. 1. Expansion of program. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Finance Authority of Maine shall expand the Maine State Grant Program, as established in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 11612, to enable more low-income residents of the State to attend an institution of higher education within the State.

Sec. 2. Delivery of federally funded support services. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Finance Authority of Maine and the Department of Health and Human Services shall jointly examine ways to maximize the delivery of federally funded support services to postsecondary students, including, but not limited to, the federal supplemental nutrition assistance program administered by the State pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 22, section 3104.

Sec. 3. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.

FINANCE AUTHORITY OF MAINE

Student Financial Assistance Programs 0653

Initiative: Provides additional one-time funds to the Maine State Grant Program.

GENERAL FUND	2019-20	2020-21
All Other	$45,000,000	$45,000,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$45,000,000	$45,000,000

SUMMARY

This bill provides additional funding to the Maine State Grant Program in the 2020-2021 biennium. It requires the Finance Authority of Maine to expand the Maine State Grant Program to enable more low-income residents of the State to attend an institution of higher education within the State. It also requires the Finance Authority of Maine and the Department of Health and Human Services to jointly examine ways to maximize the delivery of federally funded support services to postsecondary students, including, but not limited to, the federal supplemental nutrition assistance program.